Ministry: Istanbul shootout suspect had ties to religious extremist group

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi announced that three individuals involved in an armed confrontation with police in Istanbul have been killed.

According to a statement shared on social media, the incident occurred near the Yapı Kredi Plaza buildings, where the suspects reportedly opened fire on law enforcement officers. Police responded to the attack, resulting in a shootout during which all three suspects were neutralised, authorities said, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

Two police officers sustained minor injuries in the exchange but are reported to be in stable condition.

Officials stated that the identities of the suspects have been confirmed.

Preliminary findings indicate that the individuals traveled to Istanbul from Izmit using a rented vehicle. Authorities also said that one of the suspects had links to a religious extremist organisation, while another—one of two brothers among the suspects—had a prior criminal record related to drug offenses.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

By Sabina Mammadli